digestive system

noun

: the bodily system concerned with the ingestion, digestion, and absorption of food and the discharge of residual wastes and consisting of the digestive tract and accessory glands (such as the salivary glands and the pancreas) that secrete digestive enzymes

Examples of digestive system in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Nutrition experts say this gives the body's digestive system a break, so the body can focus on other functions. —Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024

Swallowing chlorine can harm your throat, esophagus, and digestive system. —Kashif J. Piracha, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024

May Support Gut Health Your diet has a significant impact on the health of your gut, including the bacteria that inhabit your digestive system, collectively known as your gut microbiota. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 28 Oct. 2024

Diverticulitis is a condition that affects the digestive system, specifically the colon. —Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

digestive system

noun

: the bodily system concerned with the intake, breakdown, and absorption of food and the discharge of wastes and that includes the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, intestine, anus, and glands (as the salivary glands)

Medical Definition

digestive system

noun

: the bodily system concerned with the ingestion, digestion, and absorption of food and the discharge of residual wastes and consisting of the digestive tract and accessory glands (such as the salivary glands and the pancreas) that secrete digestive enzymes

called also alimentary system